Blocking Demonstrates True Knitting Tension

There is something really fascinating about watching someone else knitting –   I am not a tidy knitter in terms of the tension.  With two single point needles, I knit loosely and so the garment is often bigger than intended.  I do always do a tensoin square.    The written pattern always instructs to knit a small square, usually 10cm in the pattern or in stocking stitch using the yarn and size needle recommended.  One then checks the number of stiches across and rows required to exactly match the 10cm.  Too many or too few stitches or rows or both means the garment cannot be the exact size when knitted up. The best way to measure the tension square is to  cast on two more stiches each end of that stipulated and to knit two or three more rows.  Then casting off the test piece, one is supposed to soak it, roll in towel,  shape it out and gently pin  it flat on to a towel to dry naturally.  This is called blocking and the process is supposed to demonstrate how the fabric will perform when knitted into a full garment.